Teaching a dyslexic student to write involves multi-sensory, explicit instruction, focusing on idea generation first, and using assistive technology to bridge gaps in spelling and transcription, while providing accommodations like extra time and breaking down tasks. Key strategies include using speech-to-text, color-coding, focusing on CVC words initially, breaking down writing into planning/drafting/editing, and providing frequent, short writing opportunities with self-correction feedback.
10 Tips for Teaching Writing to Your Dyslexic Students
Understanding and supporting individuals with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Dyspraxia is essential for fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment. These disorders can also coincide with other conditions such as ADHD and Autism, requiring a comprehensive approach.
The most effective way to teach kids with dyslexia to read and spell is to use a multisensory structured language education (MSLE) approach. Programs that use this type of instruction are often referred to as Orton-Gillingham based approaches. There are also things you can do at home yourself to help with reading.
Children with dyslexia often have related writing difficulties. In the simple view of writing model, high-quality writing depends on good transcription skills, working memory, and executive function—all of which can be difficult for children with dyslexia and result in poor spelling and low overall writing quality.
Confusing similar looking letters and words
Common mistakes when reading and spelling are mixing up b's and d's, or similar looking words such as 'was' and 'saw', 'how' and 'who'. Letters and numbers can be written back-to-front or upside down. The most common numbers for visual dyslexics to reverse are 9, 5 and 7.
Dyslexia does not worsen over time. However, the demands of adult life—more complex reading, multitasking, or workplace expectations—can make its effects more noticeable. With continued support, individuals often learn to manage their challenges and build on their strengths.
5 things not to say to your child about dyslexia
The recommended seven hands-on learning strategies that can promote learning and support for struggling readers during literacy instruction include Build the Words, Feel the Words, Whole Body Letters, Five Finger Retell, Sight Word BINGO, Elkonin Boxes, and Word Swat.
Read to Students
While dyslexic students may struggle to read independently, they benefit greatly from someone reading to them. While they may be reading below grade level on their own, their listening comprehension is usually equal to or above that of their peers.
According to UMHS, the following conditions can present similar symptoms and difficulties to dyslexia:
Three dimensional thinking and making connections
Many people with dyslexia demonstrate better skills at manipulating 3D objects in their mind. Many of the world's top architects and fashion designers have dyslexia.
Dyslexia results from individual differences in the parts of the brain that enable reading. It tends to run in families. Dyslexia appears to be linked to certain genes that affect how the brain processes reading and language.
One of the most effective handwriting exercises for dyslexic children is self-feedback. It involves the child writing out a paragraph, a sentence or a word. Then ask them to circle their best letter and the letter that needs the most work.
Programs and tools for adults with dyslexia
This could include assistive technology such as text reading and speech recognition systems, portable keyboards that check spelling and grammar, and reading pens (portable devices that scan text and read it aloud).
A 3-2-1 prompt helps students structure their responses to a text, film, or lesson by asking them to describe three takeaways, two questions, and one thing they enjoyed. It provides an easy way for teachers to check for understanding and to gauge students' interest in a topic.
During reading, the teacher may:
Ask questions that keep students on track and focus their attention on main ideas and important points in the text. Focus attention on parts in a text that require students to make inferences. Call on students to summarize key sections or events.
Here are seven ways to assist them.
Words such as "to, it, of, what, have, from," etc. (sight words) are trigger words which must be mastered to eliminate the trigger for disorientation.
Common Misconceptions about Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a sign of low intelligence: Dyslexia does not impact your child's intelligence in any way. As a matter of fact, many dyslexic students are super intelligent and bursting with talent. The only challenge they have is that their brains process language differently.
There are four types of dyslexia in common those are; Phonological dyslexia, surface dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, and double deficit dyslexia.
Both mothers and fathers can pass dyslexia on to their children if either parent has it. There is roughly a 50% – 60% chance of a child developing dyslexia if one of their parents has it.
Establish a routine
Dyslexic learners may find it difficult to maintain concentration for long periods of time and may get tired quickly, so it's a good idea to create a routine which emphasises 'a little and often' rather than trying to squeeze too much work into a longer session.
General signs to look for are: